The Best Electric Fireplace Inserts

If you are looking to increase your home’s energy efficiency this fall and winter but don’t want to give up your fireplace, an electric fireplace insert might be the perfect choice for you. Electric fireplaces are a beautiful compromise between a space heater and a full-fledged fireplace.

An electric fireplace insert allows you to power your fireplace with electricity instead of gas or wood without sacrificing the beautiful aesthetic a fireplace can add to your home—plus there is no need for a flue or a chimney! Here are some of the most popular electric fireplace inserts.

Classic Flame Pasadena

The Classic Flame Pasadena is a combination electric fireplace insert and entertainment center. The fireplace insert is integrated into the bottom portion of the entertainment center, which also has channels built in to deal with all of the cords. It can easily support a widescreen TV and has room for everything else you might want to put in your entertainment center. The Classic Flame Pasadena is perfect if you want to spend a little extra for a multi-purpose piece of furniture.

ChimneyFree Raleigh Espresso

The ChimneyFree Raleigh Espresso is a freestanding unit that is roughly 3 feet tall. Due to the weight and height combination of this product, it is highly recommended that you anchor it to a wall, something you may need to hire a professional for. The Raleigh Espresso also has one shelf and can support a TV just like the Classic Flame Pasadena, though it is much more compact and therefore much better for smaller spaces.

Duraflame

If you are looking to replace an existing fireplace without a lot of remodeling, the Duraflame is the best choice. You will not likely find another electric fireplace insert for a lower price ($149.99), and because it is shaped exactly like the grate and logs of a real fireplace, it fits snuggly into the firebox of most fireplaces. Additionally, should you feel the need to move it, the Duraflame is quite portable. 

Napoleon Slimline

The first thing you’ll notice about the Napoleon Slimline is its sleek, modern look. It is wall-mounted and can therefore fit into any room without occupying a great deal of space. You can turn on the display without turning on the heat, allowing you to enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace without heating the room if you so desire. Simply put: the Napoleon Slimline offers aesthetic, flexibility, and saves space.

Southern Enterprises Donovan

With its ornate design, this Victorian-style electric fireplace insert is a great choice if you are looking to simply replace a fireplace with something more energy efficient replacement. The Southern Enterprises Donovan is also very safe: the front display is cool to the touch, which eliminates the potential for burns. Also, like the Pasadena and Raleigh Espresso, the unit can support a TV or most other things you would think to stack on top of it. For a classic fireplace feel, the Donovan can’t be beat!

You can read more reviews of electric fireplace inserts here.